But in comparison to the other airlines AA had by far the smallest feed, in terms of airplane size and overall seats. AA also had shrunk considerably. And after many of the mergers we saw the all Legacy carriers shrink capacity. US and AA both have well over 80% load factors and they have dumped most of the unprofitable routes. With the combined network they will likely have some adjustments that will leads to larger airframes on certain routes and decreased number of airframes but they won't be decreasing capacity much. Most flights are oversold these days, any more capacity that is decreased will be handed to the competition.

Post merger, none of the legacies "involuntay furloughed."

Please see the CAL/UAL merger and the fact that UAL is now HIRING.....

Why don't they just up their regular bonus to 10k?

I wonder about this program. Let's say a college student signs up for this program now. AE/AA gives the student the money, benefits, and a job at AE. But 2 years after he graduates AE is shrinking as pilots flow to AA. He is used as a body in the FO seat on reserve for life to keep the airline alive till they shut down Eagle. What if AA comes to the student as said you only worked one year of your 2 year contract. You owe us. No way would I ever accept money from a company that is in bankruptcy and can't attract employees. They are forced to this McDonalds approach to ordering a pilot.